Ultraviolet light-emitting module and disinfecting system

ABSTRACT

Modules, systems and methods that disinfect surfaces using ultraviolet (UV) light are disclosed. In one aspect, a UV light-emitting module comprises an enclosure comprising a rear wall and a face plate spaced from the rear wall and comprising a light-transmitting aperture. At least one sidewall extends between the rear wall and the face plate, and at least one UV light emitter is within the enclosure. A ventilation opening is located in one or more walls selected from (1) the rear wall and (2) the at least one sidewall.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 63/124,341, filed Dec. 11, 2020, and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 63/154,239, filed Feb. 26, 2021, the entirety ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to disinfecting surfaces, and moreparticularly to modules, systems and methods that disinfect surfacesusing ultraviolet (UV) light.

BACKGROUND

Ultraviolet (UV) light has been used in some settings to disinfect andsanitize surfaces. In some examples, multiple UV emitters are providedin an enclosure and powered by a relatively low power supply, such as 12watts. While such UV devices offer promise in their ability to renderinactive and/or kill certain pathogens, challenges exist in developingdevices and systems for more effective delivery of such UV radiation.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, an ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting module isprovided that comprises an enclosure including a rear wall and a faceplate spaced from the rear wall that includes a light-transmittingaperture. At least one sidewall extends between the rear wall and theface plate, and at least one UV light emitter is located within theenclosure. The module further includes a ventilation opening located inone or more walls selected from (1) the rear wall and (2) the at leastone sidewall.

According to another aspect, a system for disinfecting one or morecomponents is provided, with the system comprising a plurality ofultraviolet (UV) light-emitting modules. Each of the modules comprisesan enclosure including a rear wall and a face plate spaced from the rearwall that includes a light-transmitting aperture. At least one sidewallextends between the rear wall and the face plate, and at least one UVlight emitter is located within the enclosure.

Each of the modules further includes a ventilation opening located inone or more walls selected from (1) the rear wall and (2) the at leastone sidewall. The system further includes a housing that encloses theplurality of UV light-emitting modules. The housing comprises at leastone cooling fan that directs air into the housing, and at least onehousing ventilation exit opening through which the air escapes.

According to another aspect, a method of assembling an ultraviolet (UV)light-emitting module for disinfecting one or more components isprovided. The method is performed using an enclosure including a rearwall and a face plate spaced from the rear wall that includes alight-transmitting aperture. The enclosure also includes four sidewallsthat extend between the rear wall and the face plate. The method is alsoperformed using at least one UV light emitter support fabricated from afluoropolymer, at least one cooling feature selected from (1) a sidewallventilation opening in at least one sidewall and (2) a heat sink featureextending from the rear wall, and at least one UV light emittercomprising an elongated lamp that comprises a first end having a firstterminal and an opposing second end having a second terminal.

The method includes seating the elongated lamp in the at least onefluoropolymer UV light emitter support within the enclosure. A firstlead wire is secured to the first terminal of the elongated lamp, and asecond lead wire is secured to the second terminal of the elongatedlamp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a disinfecting system within alavatory according to examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the disinfecting system of FIG. 1according examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows one example of an ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting moduleaccording to examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows another view of the UV light-emitting module of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the UV light-emitting module of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows a plurality of triangular-shaped internal support surfacesthat include radiused edges according to examples of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 shows another view of the plurality of triangular-shaped internalsupport surfaces of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows another view of the plurality of triangular-shaped internalsupport surfaces of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of another example of an ultraviolet (UV)light-emitting module including a circuit board according to examples ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light-emittingmodule including two sidewall ventilation openings according to examplesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light-emittingmodule including two rear wall ventilation openings and a sidewallventilation opening according to examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 shows another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light-emittingmodule including a cooling fan according to examples of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13 shows another view of the UV light-emitting module of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light-emittingmodule including a heat sink feature and according to examples of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 15 shows another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light-emittingmodule including a heat sink feature and a plurality of ventilationopenings according to examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a housing for two ultraviolet (UV)light-emitting modules according to examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of the housing of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows another exploded view of the housing of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 shows a partial cutaway view of the cover panel of the housingof FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 shows another example of an ultraviolet (UV) light emittersupport according to examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 shows an example of three ultraviolet (UV) light emittersupports according to examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 shows another example of three ultraviolet (UV) light emittersupports including an electrically insulating separator according toexamples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 shows another example of three ultraviolet (UV) light emittersupports in which the UV light emitter supports are flush with UV lightemitters according to examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 shows a block diagram of an example method for assembling asystem for disinfecting one or more components according to examples ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 25 shows a block diagram of an example method for assembling anultraviolet (UV) light-emitting module for disinfecting one or morecomponents according to examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 shows a block diagram of another example method for assemblingan ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting module for disinfecting one or morecomponents according to examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 depicts an aircraft environment in which UV light-emittingmodules are installed according to examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In view of the considerations discussed above, FIGS. 1 and 2 show oneexample of a system for disinfecting one or more components usingultraviolet (UV) light-emitting modules. As described in more detailbelow, the system utilizes UV light-emitting modules incorporating oneor more cooling features that provide heat transfer functionality toenable the modules to operate at higher power and providecorrespondingly higher UV irradiation. In some examples described below,multiple modules are enclosed in a housing that includes one or morecooling fans to circulate air through the modules.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a lavatory 102 that includes asystem 100 for disinfecting one or more components using ultraviolet(UV) light. The system 100 includes a plurality of UV light-emittingmodules 104 configured to emit UV light. In different examples, the UVlight-emitting modules 104 can take the form of UV light-emitting module300 shown in FIG. 3 and described in more detail below, or one of theother examples of UV light-emitting modules described herein.

In the example of FIG. 1, three UV light-emitting modules 104 a, 104 b,and 104 c are shown. The system 100 also includes a power supply module106 that is electrically connected to each of the UV light-emittingmodules 104 and provides power to the modules to generate UV light fordisinfecting and/or sanitizing components and their surfaces in thelavatory 102.

In other examples, the system 100 utilizes fewer or more than three UVlight-emitting modules 104 that are electrically connected to the powersupply module 106. In still other examples, the system 100 and/orindividually powered UV light-emitting modules 104 can be utilized in avariety of environments, including but not limited to kitchens, galleys,retail establishments, medical facilities, arenas, places of worship,banquet halls, theatres, concert venues, commercial businesses,factories, and other spaces. In some examples, the system 100 and/orindividually powered UV light-emitting modules 104 may can be utilizedin aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles, such as buses, trains,marine vessels, and the like.

In a commercial aircraft, the system 100 can be located within a cabin,galley, crew rest area, assembly area, cargo area, flight deck,lavatory, and other areas in which individuals, passengers, flight crew,ground crew, and/or maintenance personnel may be located. In the presentexample of FIG. 1, the lavatory 102 can be located within a vehicle,such as within a cabin of a commercial aircraft. For example, FIG. 27depicts an aircraft environment in which UV light-emitting modules 104are installed above passenger seats 1004 in the cabin 1000 of theaircraft.

In other examples and as described in more detail below, one or more UVlight-emitting modules 104 may be utilized in a portable assembly, suchas a wand, that is configured to be held by a user. In some examples,such a portable assembly is also configured to be removably mounted to asupport structure, such as a wall.

Returning to the example of FIG. 1, the UV light-emitting modules 104are positioned to emit the UV light towards one or more componentswithin the lavatory 102 for disinfecting and/or sanitizing thecomponents. In the illustrated example, the one or more componentsinclude a sink 112 and a toilet 110. In this example, the UVlight-emitting modules 104 are positioned to emit UV light towardsdifferent components 108. For example, the first UV light-emittingmodule 104 a is positioned to emit UV light towards the toilet 110including a flush actuator 114 (e.g., lever, button, etc.) of the toilet110. The second UV light-emitting module 104 b is positioned to emit UVlight towards the sink 112 and the surrounding region, such as portionsof the faucet 116 and countertop 118. The third UV light-emitting module104 c is positioned to emit UV light towards the door (not shown) usedto enter and exit the lavatory 102.

In some examples, two or more UV light-emitting modules 104 arepositioned to emit UV light towards a common component. In someexamples, two or more UV light-emitting modules 104 are physicallyadjacent and/or mechanically coupled to one another.

The power supply module 106 is electrically connected to the UVlight-emitting modules 104 to provide power to the modules. In someexamples the power supply module 106 includes processing and/or powermodulation circuitry within an enclosure or housing. In differentexamples the power supply module 106 receives electrical energy from apower source, such as power distribution panel or a battery, anddistributes the electrical energy among the UV light-emitting modules104.

In the example of FIG. 1, the power supply module 106 is mounted withinthe lavatory 102 and is electrically connected to the UV light-emittingmodules 104 via respective power leads 120, such as one or moreelectrical wires or power cables. In other examples, one or more of theUV light-emitting modules 104 are integrated with the power supplymodule 106 in a common housing.

As described in more detail below, in some examples a UV light-emittingmodule 104 utilizes a small form factor to provide improved aestheticsby occupying less space. The smaller form factor also can enable thelocation of the UV light-emitting modules 104 closer to the componentsto be disinfected as compared to larger form factor UV light emitters.For example, the smaller UV light-emitting modules 104 can beinconspicuously mounted behind or within structures that would not bepossible for larger UV light emitters. In one potential advantage of thepresent disclosure, locating the UV light-emitting modules 104 closer tocomponents increases the radiant flux (irradiance) provided to surfacesof the components. In this manner, by locating the UV light-emittingmodules 104 closer to the components 108 as compared to larger UV lightemitters, a designated UV dosage can be provided to the componentsutilizing less energy and/or in a shorter length of time as compared tothe same dosage applied by larger UV light-emitting modules.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the system 100 accordingto an example of the present disclosure. In this example, the powersupply module 106 receives electrical energy from an external powersource 202 that is separate and discrete from the power supply module106. In some examples the power source 202 is a vehicle electricalsystem onboard a vehicle or an electrical system of a building orfacility. In other examples, the power source 202 is a battery, agenerator, or the like.

In the present example the power supply module 106 is electricallyconnected to the external power source 202 via a power conditioningcircuit 204 and power cables 206 and 208. In different examples thepower conditioning circuit 204 includes one or more rectifiers, powerfactor correction circuits, and/or capacitors for electromagneticinterference filtering. In other examples, the power conditioningcircuit 204 is integrated with the power supply module 106 in a commonenclosure, such as a housing of the power supply module.

In this example, the power supply module 106 receives electrical energyfrom the power conditioning circuit 204 and controls distribution of theelectrical energy among the UV light-emitting modules 104. In thisexample, the power conditioning circuit 204 receives alternating current(AC) electrical energy from the external power source 202 and convertsthe AC electrical energy to DC electrical energy. This DC electricalenergy is supplied to the power supply module 106, which converts the DCelectrical energy to AC electrical energy and supplies the AC to the UVlight-emitting modules 104 to power the generation of UV light asdescribed in more detail below. In some examples, the power supplymodule 106 also controls one or more operations of the UV light-emittingmodules 104, such as activating and deactivating the modules, andmodulating the power output of the modules.

As described in more detail below, UV light-emitting modules of thepresent disclosure utilize one or more cooling features that enable themodules to operate at higher power and provide correspondingly higher UVirradiation than prior UV emitters. Additionally and in some examplesdescribed below, multiple modules are enclosed in a housing thatincludes one or more cooling fans to circulate air through themodule(s).

With reference now to FIGS. 3-5, one example of a UV light-emittingmodule 300 according to the present disclosure is illustrated. Indifferent use case examples, the UV light-emitting modules 104 describedabove may take the form of UV light-emitting module 300 shown in FIGS.3-5 or one of the other examples of UV light-emitting modules describedfurther below. In different use cases, the UV light-emitting module 300and the other examples of UV light-emitting modules described herein canbe utilized in a UV disinfecting system, such as system 100, and/or asstandalone devices.

In the example of FIGS. 3-5, the UV light-emitting module 300 comprisesan enclosure 304 that includes a rear wall 308 and a face plate 312spaced from the rear wall 308. The face plate 312 includes alight-transmitting aperture 316 through which UV light from one or moreUV light emitters within the enclosure is transmitted. In this example,the UV light-emitting module 300 utilizes four UV light emitters 320. Inother examples, fewer or more than four UV light emitters may beutilized in UV light-emitting modules according to the presentdisclosure.

In some examples, the UV light emitters 320 can be excimer lamps thatutilize a krypton-chlorine (Kr—Cl) gas mixture provided in the lampbulb. Such excimer lamps emit UV light having a wavelength of 222 nmthat can disinfect and sanitize component surfaces via localizedanti-viral and antimicrobial effects. Further, 222 nm UV light candisinfect and sanitize surfaces without skin damaging effects associatedwith conventional germicidal ultraviolet (UV) exposure. In otherexamples, the UV light-emitting module 300 can utilized other types ofUV emitters and UV lamps. Additionally and as described in more detailbelow, the UV light emitters 320 are seated in one or more UV lightemitter supports within the enclosure 304.

In the present example and as shown in FIG. 5, a low pass filter 324 islocated adjacent to the light-transmitting aperture 316 of the faceplate 312. The low pass filter 324 can be used to remove or filter outsubstantially all light emissions generated by the UV light emitters 320except for 222 nm wavelength ultraviolet light.

In this example the enclosure 304 has a rectangular shape formed by afirst sidewall 330, second sidewall 334, third sidewall 338 and fourthsidewall 342. Each of the sidewalls extends between the rear wall 308and the face plate 312. In other examples, other enclosures of thepresent disclosure can have other shapes and form factors, such as acircular enclosure formed by a single circular sidewall.

As noted above, and in one potential advantage of the presentdisclosure, the enclosure 304 utilizes one or more cooling features thatenable the module 300 to operate at higher power and providecorrespondingly higher UV irradiation than prior UV emitters. In thisexample, the enclosure includes cooling features in the form of asidewall ventilation opening 348 in first sidewall 330 and a rear wallventilation opening 352 in the rear wall 308. In this manner, theseventilation openings enable airflow through the interior of theenclosure 304 and over the surfaces of the UV light emitters 320, tothereby cool the emitters by transferring heat generated by emittersfrom the enclosure. As described below, in other examples ventilationopenings can be provided in other locations on the enclosure 304.

In some examples, the rear wall 308 and the first sidewall 330, secondsidewall 334, third sidewall 338 and fourth sidewall 342 of theenclosure 304 are fabricated from a plastic material. In other examples,the rear wall 308 and the first sidewall 330, second sidewall 334, thirdsidewall 338 and fourth sidewall 342 are fabricated from aluminum.Advantageously and in these examples, the aluminum walls have a higherthermal conductivity than plastic, thereby providing greater heattransfer and dissipation from the UV light emitters 320 through thewalls of the enclosure 304.

In some examples in which the rear wall 308 and four sidewalls 330, 334,338 and 342 are fabricated from aluminum, the face plate 312 isfabricated from plastic. In other examples, the face plate 312 is alsofabricated from aluminum to provide even greater heat transfer fromwithin the enclosure 304.

As noted above, in the example of FIGS. 3-5 the UV light emitters 320are seated in V-shaped grooves in a first UV light emitter support 322and a second UV light emitter support 323 that extend parallel to oneanother. In some examples where the rear wall 308 and four sidewalls330, 334, 338 and 342 are fabricated from aluminum, the UV light emittersupports 322, 323 are also fabricated from a conductive material, suchas aluminum. In this manner and by seating the UV light emitters 320 inthe supports, the emitters are electrically coupled to the supports. Inother examples and as described in more detail below, the UV lightemitter supports 322, 323 are fabricated from a fluoropolymer and the UVlight emitters 320 are electrically coupled to a power source via leadwires.

In the example of FIGS. 3-5, where the UV light emitter supports 322,323 and the rear wall 308 are aluminum, a thermally conductive andelectrically insulating separator 350 is positioned between the UV lightemitter supports and the rear wall to electrically isolate the UV lightemitter supports from the aluminum rear wall. In some examples, thethermally conductive and electrically insulating separator 350 has athermal conductivity of approximately 15 international British thermalunit per hour per square foot per degree Fahrenheit (BTU)/(° F. Hr.Ft.²) or higher. In one example, the thermally conductive andelectrically insulating separator 350 is fabricated from analumina-based ceramic. For example, the thermally conductive andelectrically insulating separator 350 can be fabricated from CotronicsDurapot 810 castable ceramic cement, manufactured by CotronicsCorporation. Accordingly, in these examples the higher thermalconductivity of separator 350 further facilitates heat transfer from theenclosure to cool the UV light emitters 320.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first UV light emitter support 322and second UV light emitter support 323 receive power via firstelectrical conductor 354 and second electrical conductor 356,respectively, that extend through the rear wall 308 into the UV lightemitter supports. In this example, the first electrical conductor 354and second electrical conductor 356 also extend through apertures in thethermally conductive and electrically insulating separator 350.

The first electrical conductor 354 and second electrical conductor 356are electrically coupled to a power source via wires 360, 362. In someexamples the power source is the power supply module 106 of system 100.The first electrical conductor 354 is electrically insulated from therear wall 308 by a first electrically insulating bushing 361 between thefirst electrical conductor and the rear wall. Similarly, the secondelectrical conductor 356 is electrically insulated from the rear wall308 by a second electrically insulating bushing 363 between the firstelectrical conductor and the rear wall.

In some examples, the enclosure 304 includes attachment tabs 366 and 368configured to receive a fastener for securing the enclosure to asurface.

With reference now to FIGS. 5-8, the first UV light emitter support 322comprises a plurality of first triangular-shaped internal supportsurfaces 372 that are facing corresponding second triangular-shapedinternal support surfaces 376 of the second UV light emitter support323. In some examples and as shown in FIGS. 6-8, each of the firsttriangular-shaped internal support surfaces 372 includes first radiusededges 380 along one or both upwardly extending sides and the apex.Similarly, each of the second triangular-shaped internal supportsurfaces 376 includes second radiused edges 384 along one or bothupwardly extending sides and the apex. In some examples, these radiusededges can have a radius of between approximately 0.05 inches and 0.10inches. Advantageously in these examples, by providing the radiusededges on the first and second triangular-shaped internal supportsurfaces 372, 376 that face each other, a likelihood of electricalarcing between the first internal support surfaces 372 and the secondinternal support surfaces 376 is reduced.

With reference now to FIG. 9, in some examples the UV light-emittingmodule 300 also includes a circuit board 400 comprising a UV LED that isconfigured to pre-ionize gas in the UV light emitters 320. In someexamples where the first sidewall 330 is a conductive material, such asaluminum, an electrical insulator panel 404 is provided between thecircuit board 400 and the first sidewall 330.

As noted above, in other examples one or more ventilation openings canbe provided in two or more of the four sidewalls of the enclosure 304.For example and with reference to FIG. 10, in this example the enclosureincludes a first sidewall ventilation opening 348 in first sidewall 330and a second sidewall ventilation opening 349 in third sidewall 338. Ina similar manner and in various examples, the rear wall 308 can includetwo or more ventilation openings. For example and with reference to FIG.11, in this example the enclosure includes a first rear wall ventilationopening 352 and a second rear wall ventilation opening 353 in rear wall308. Additionally, in this example a sidewall ventilation opening 348 inthird sidewall 338 is provided.

In other examples of enclosures according to the present disclosure,ventilation openings of any suitable combination, quantity, size and/orshape can be provided in one or more of the sidewalls and in the rearwall 308.

In some examples, the module 300 may include a cooling fan configured todeliver forced air through either a sidewall ventilation opening or arear wall ventilation opening. For example and with reference to FIGS.12 and 13, a cooling fan 410 is mounted to third sidewall 338 adjacentto ducting 414 that directs air from the fan into ventilation opening349 in third sidewall 338. The air passes over and through the UV lightemitters 320 and other components inside the enclosure 304 and exitsthrough rear wall ventilation opening 352 in rear wall 308. In thisexample a fitting 420 is affixed to the rear wall ventilation opening352 to direct the exiting airflow away from the module.

With reference now to FIG. 14, in some examples the enclosure 304 ispneumatically sealed to contain off-gases that may be generated by theUV light emitters 320. In this example, the enclosure contains noventilation openings and is pneumatically sealed to prevent anyoff-gasses from escaping to atmosphere.

In some examples, UV light-emitting modules of the present disclosureinclude one or more cooling features in the form of a heat sink feature.With continued reference to FIG. 14, in this example the module includesa heat sink feature in the form of a plurality of fins 428 extendingfrom the rear wall 308. In different examples the fins may havedifferent sizes and shapes, such as thin elongated plates arrangedadjacent to one another. The number and placement of the fins on theenclosure also can vary according to applications and use environments.For example, heat sink fins can additionally or alternatively be locatedon one or more sidewalls of the enclosure.

In some examples, modules according to the present disclosure caninclude one or more ventilation openings and one or more heat sinkfeatures. For example and with reference to FIG. 15, in this example themodule includes the plurality of fins 428 extending from the rear wall308, a first rear wall ventilation opening 352 and a second rear wallventilation opening 353 in rear wall 308, and a sidewall ventilationopening 348 in third sidewall 338.

In some examples, one or more UV light-emitting modules 300 are enclosedin a housing that provides forced ventilation via at least one coolingfan that directs air into the housing and at least one housingventilation exit opening through which the air escapes. With referencenow to FIGS. 16-19, in one example a housing 500 includes a containerportion 504 in which two UV light-emitting modules 300 according to thepresent disclosure are located. Both UV light-emitting modules 300include a single sidewall ventilation opening 349 and a single rear wallventilation opening to which a fitting 420 is affixed.

As shown in FIG. 18, the container portion 504 includes two intakecooling fans 510 configured to pull air into and pressurize the housing500. Each of the cooling fans 510 are seated within and pneumaticallycoupled to a respective housing ventilation intake opening 512 in thehousing 500. A bottom panel 514 of the container portion 504 includesmodule cutouts 520, 524 in which the two UV light-emitting modules 300are seated. The light-transmitting apertures 316 in each of the modules300 face downwardly through the cutouts 520, 524 to direct UV lightdownwardly from the housing 500.

With reference also to the example UV light-emitting module shown FIG.13, each of the UV light-emitting modules 300 includes a sidewallventilation opening 349 into which pressurized air within the housing500 enters. The air passes over and through the UV light emitters 320and other components inside the enclosures of the modules 300 and exitsthrough a rear wall ventilation opening 352 in rear wall 308. In thisexample and as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, fittings 420 affixed to therear wall ventilation openings are extend through and are pneumaticallycoupled to respective housing ventilation exit openings 530, 534 incover panel 538 and direct the exiting airflow from the modules throughthese openings and into atmosphere.

The two housing ventilation exit openings 530, 534 are located above themodule cutouts 520, 524, respectively, in bottom panel 514 and arepositioned to receive and allow the fittings 420 to extend through theopenings. In this manner, the housing ventilation exit openings 530, 534allow pressurized air within the housing 500 and UV light-emittingmodules 300 to escape.

In different examples, the housing 500 can be mounted in a ceiling,wall, or other support structure, and can be utilized with stationarystructures or in moveable applications, such as in a passenger orcommercial vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft and the like. In some examplesthe housing 500 can be mounted to autonomous mobile devices such asrobots.

With reference to the descriptions above, in some examples each of theUV light-emitting modules 300 within the housing 500 receives power froma common power source, such as the external power source 202 of thesystem 100 shown in FIG. 2.

With reference now to FIGS. 20-23, additional examples of UV lightemitter supports are illustrated. As described further below, one ormore of these UV light emitter supports may be utilized with anyexamples of the UV light-emitting modules described herein. Withreference now to FIG. 20, in some examples a UV light emitter support450 is fabricated from a fluoropolymer as a single, unitary block ofmaterial. In one example, the fluoropolymer is polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE).

The UV light emitter support 450 has a first side 454 and an opposingsecond side 456. In this example, each of the UV light emitters 320seated in the UV light emitter support 450 is an elongated lamp having afirst end 328 and an opposing second end 329. The first end 328 of eachof the lamps extends beyond the first side 454 of the UV light emittersupport 450, and the second end of each of the lamps extends beyond thesecond side 456 of the UV light emitter support.

A first terminal 332 is affixed to the first end 328 of each of theelongated lamps, and a second terminal 336 is affixed to the second end329 of each of the lamps. A first lead wire 340 electrically coupleseach of the first terminals 332 to a power source, and a second leadwire 344 electrically couples each of the second terminals 336 to thepower source. Advantageously, in this configuration utilizing a UV lightemitter support that is fabricated from a fluoropolymer, the electrodes(terminals 332, 336) are moved further apart as compared to utilizingtwo aluminum UV light emitter supports as described in examples above.Accordingly, this configuration enables higher voltages andcorrespondingly higher UV outputs prior to arcing between the terminals.

Additionally, fluoropolymer materials have dielectric properties andreflect 222 nm UV light. Accordingly, this configuration also provides alarger surface area of 222 nm UV light reflective material from which UVlight emitted by the UV light emitters 320 is reflected. Further, insome examples fluoropolymer UV light emitter supports can be affixeddirectly to a conductive rear wall 308 of a UV light-emitting module300, thereby avoiding the need for an electrically insulating separatorbetween such supports and the rear wall. Additionally, because thefluoropolymer UV light emitter supports in these examples aredielectrics, the internal support surfaces of the supports can haveangled or sharp edges, as opposed to radiused edges, without increasingthe probability of arcing. Accordingly, these configurations may cansimplify manufacturing and/or reduce associated production costs.

In other examples, two or more UV light emitter supports 450 fabricatedfrom a fluoropolymer may be combined to seat the UV light emitters 320.In one example and with reference now to FIG. 21, three fluoropolymer UVlight emitter supports 452, 455 and 457 are placed side-by-side to forma square-shaped UV light emitter support. In different examples the UVlight emitter supports can have different lengths and widths, and can becombined to form a variety of shapes and sizes.

In some examples, different combinations of UV light emitter supportsfabricated from conductive materials and from fluoropolymers may beutilized. With continued reference to FIG. 21, in one alternativeexample the UV light emitter support 455 is fabricated from a conductivematerial, such as aluminum, while the UV light emitter supports 452 and457 on either side are fabricated from a fluoropolymer. In some examplesand with reference to FIG. 22, where the rear wall 308 of a UVlight-emitting module 300 is fabricated from a conductive material suchas aluminum, a thermally conductive and electrically insulatingseparator 350 is provided between the UV light emitter supports 452, 455and 457 and the rear wall.

In the example of FIG. 21 and like the example described in FIG. 20,lead wires 340 and 344 electrically couple terminals of the elongatedlamps to a power source. In other examples where two UV light emittersupports are fabricated from conductive materials and used with one ormore fluoropolymer UV light emitter supports, and with reference to theexamples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an electrical conductor extends throughthe rear wall of the UV light emitting module into each of the aluminumUV light emitter supports to provide power to the light emitters asdescribed above.

With reference now to FIG. 23, in some examples the first ends 328 andsecond ends 329 of each of the UV light emitters 320 are substantiallyflush with the first side 454 and the second side 456, respectively, ofthe UV light emitter support. In the example of FIG. 23, the terminals332 and 336 at the ends of the UV light emitters 320 are substantiallyflush with the first side 454 and the second side 456, respectively.

In different examples of UV light-emitting modules and related systemsfor disinfecting one or more components of the present disclosure, themodules can utilize any suitable combinations of features describedherein, including but not limited to ventilation openings, heat sinkfeatures, and component materials.

Turning now to FIG. 24, a method 1300 of assembling a system fordisinfecting one or more components is illustrated. The method 1300 isperformed using plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting modules anda housing, wherein each of the UV light-emitting modules includes anenclosure having a rear wall with a rear wall ventilation opening and aface plate spaced from the rear wall and having a light-transmittingaperture. At least one sidewall extends between the rear wall and theface plate, with the at least one sidewall having a sidewall ventilationopening. Each module further includes at least one UV light emitterwithin the enclosure. The housing includes at least one cooling fanconfigured to direct air into the housing and at least a first housingventilation exit opening and a second housing ventilation exit opening.

At 1302, method 1300 includes the step of affixing the plurality of UVlight-emitting modules inside the housing. At 1306, the method 1300includes the step of pneumatically coupling the first housingventilation exit opening to the rear wall ventilation opening of a firstUV light-emitting module of the plurality of UV light-emitting modules.At 1310, the method 1300 includes pneumatically coupling the secondhousing ventilation exit opening to the rear wall ventilation opening ofa second UV light-emitting module of the plurality of UV light-emittingmodules.

Turning now to FIG. 25, a method 1400 of assembling an ultraviolet (UV)light-emitting module for disinfecting one or more components isillustrated. The method 1400 is performed using an enclosure including arear wall and a face plate spaced from the rear wall that includes alight-transmitting aperture. The enclosure also includes four sidewallthat extend between the rear wall and the face plate. The method 1400 isalso performed using a first UV light emitter support and a second UVlight emitter support, and at least one cooling feature selected from(1) a sidewall ventilation opening in the at least one sidewall and (2)a heat sink feature extending from the rear wall.

At 1402, the method 1400 includes the step of inserting a firstelectrical conductor through the rear wall and through a thermallyconductive and electrically insulating separator into the first UV lightemitter support. At 1406, the method 1400 includes the step of insertinga second electrical conductor through the rear wall and through thethermally conductive and electrically insulating separator into thesecond UV light emitter support. At 1410, the method 1400 includes thestep of securing a plurality of UV light emitters to the first aluminumUV light emitter support and the second aluminum UV light emittersupport within the enclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 26, a method 1500 of assembling an ultraviolet (UV)light-emitting module for disinfecting one or more components isillustrated. The method 1500 is performed using an enclosure thatincludes a rear wall and a face plate spaced from the rear wall andhaving a light-transmitting aperture, and four sidewalls extendingbetween the rear wall and the face plate, at least one UV light emittersupport fabricated from a fluoropolymer, at least one cooling featureselected from (1) a sidewall ventilation opening in the at least onesidewall and (2) a heat sink feature extending from the rear wall, andat least one UV light emitter comprising an elongated lamp thatcomprises a first end having a first terminal and an opposing second endhaving a second terminal.

At 1502, the method 1500 includes the step of seating the elongated lampin the at least one fluoropolymer UV light emitter support within theenclosure. At 1506, the method 1500 includes the step of securing afirst lead wire to the first terminal of the elongated lamp. At 1510,the method 1400 includes the step of securing a second lead wire to thesecond terminal of the elongated lamp.

Further, the disclosure comprises configurations according to thefollowing clauses.

Clause 1. An ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting module for disinfecting oneor more components, the module comprising: an enclosure comprising: arear wall; a face plate spaced from the rear wall and comprising alight-transmitting aperture; and at least one sidewall extending betweenthe rear wall and the face plate; and at least one UV light emitterwithin the enclosure, wherein a ventilation opening is located in one ormore walls selected from (1) the rear wall and (2) the at least onesidewall.

Clause 2. The UV light-emitting module of clause 1, wherein the rearwall and the at least one sidewall are aluminum.

Clause 3. The UV light-emitting module of any of clauses 1-2, whereinthe face plate is aluminum.

Clause 4. The UV light-emitting module of any of clauses 1-3, wherein aplurality of ventilation openings are located in the rear wall.

Clause 5. The UV light-emitting module of any of clauses 1-4, furthercomprising a cooling fan configured to deliver air through theventilation opening in the rear wall and/or the at least one sidewall.

Clause 6. The UV light-emitting module of any of clauses 1-5, whereinthe at least one sidewall comprises four sidewalls, and two or more ofthe four sidewalls comprise a sidewall ventilation opening.

Clause 7. The UV light-emitting module of any of clauses 1-6, furthercomprising a plurality of fins extending from the rear wall.

Clause 8. The UV light-emitting module of any of clauses 1-7, whereinthe at least one UV light emitter is configured to emit 222 nmwavelength UV light.

Clause 9. The UV light-emitting module of any of clauses 1-8, furthercomprising a low pass filter adjacent to the light-transmitting apertureof the face plate.

Clause 10. The UV light-emitting module of any of clauses 1-9, whereinthe at least one UV light emitter comprises an excimer lamp, the modulefurther comprising a circuit board comprising a UV LED configured topre-ionize gas in the excimer lamp.

Clause 11. A system for disinfecting one or more components, the systemcomprising: a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting modules,wherein each of the UV light-emitting modules comprises: an enclosurecomprising: a rear wall; a face plate spaced from the rear wall andcomprising a light-transmitting aperture; and at least one sidewallextending between the rear wall and the face plate; and at least one UVlight emitter within the enclosure, wherein a ventilation opening islocated in one or more walls selected from (1) the rear wall and (2) theat least one sidewall; and a housing that encloses the plurality of UVlight-emitting modules, the housing comprising at least one cooling fanthat directs air into the housing and at least one housing ventilationexit opening through which air escapes.

Clause 12. The system of clause 11, wherein each of the UVlight-emitting modules receives power from a common power source.

Clause 13. The system of any of clauses 11-12, wherein each of the UVlight-emitting modules comprises a sidewall ventilation opening in theat least one sidewall and a rear wall ventilation opening in the rearwall, and the housing ventilation exit opening is pneumatically coupledto the rear wall ventilation opening.

Clause 14. The system of clause 13, wherein the at least one cooling fanis pneumatically coupled to a housing ventilation intake opening in thehousing.

Clause 15. The system of any of clauses 11-14, further comprising atleast one UV light emitter support within the enclosure, wherein the atleast one UV light emitter support is fabricated from a fluoropolymer.

Clause 16. The system of clause 15, wherein the fluoropolymer ispolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Clause 17. The system of clause 15, wherein the at least one UV lightemitter support is a single UV light emitter support.

Clause 18. The system of clause 15, wherein the at least one UV lightemitter support comprises two or more UV light emitter supports.

Clause 19. The system of clause 11, further comprising three or more UVlight emitter supports within the enclosure, wherein the three or moreUV light emitter supports comprise an aluminum UV light emitter supportlocated between a first fluoropolymer UV light emitter support and asecond fluoropolymer UV light emitter support.

Clause 20. A method of assembling an ultraviolet (UV) light-emittingmodule for disinfecting one or more components, the method performedusing an enclosure that includes a rear wall and a face plate spacedfrom the rear wall and having a light-transmitting aperture, and foursidewalls extending between the rear wall and the face plate, at leastone UV light emitter support fabricated from a fluoropolymer, at leastone cooling feature selected from (1) a sidewall ventilation opening inat least one sidewall and (2) a heat sink feature extending from therear wall, at least one UV light emitter comprising an elongated lampthat comprises a first end having a first terminal and an opposingsecond end having a second terminal, the method comprising: seating theelongated lamp in the at least one fluoropolymer UV light emittersupport within the enclosure; securing a first lead wire to the firstterminal of the elongated lamp; and securing a second lead wire to thesecond terminal of the elongated lamp.

The subject disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinationsand subcombinations of the various features and techniques disclosedherein. The various features and techniques disclosed herein are notnecessarily required of all examples of the subject disclosure.Furthermore, the various features and techniques disclosed herein maydefine patentable subject matter apart from the disclosed examples andmay find utility in other implementations not expressly disclosedherein.

1. An ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting module for disinfecting one ormore components, the UV light-emitting module comprising: an enclosurecomprising: a rear wall; a face plate spaced from the rear wall andcomprising a light-transmitting aperture; and at least one sidewallextending between the rear wall and the face plate; and at least one UVlight emitter within the enclosure, wherein a ventilation opening islocated in one or more walls selected from (1) the rear wall and (2) theat least one sidewall.
 2. The UV light-emitting module of claim 1,wherein the rear wall and the at least one sidewall are aluminum.
 3. TheUV light-emitting module of claim 1, wherein the face plate is aluminum.4. The UV light-emitting module of claim 1, wherein a plurality ofventilation openings are located in the rear wall.
 5. The UVlight-emitting module of claim 1, further comprising a cooling fanconfigured to deliver air through the ventilation opening in the rearwall and/or the at least one sidewall.
 6. The UV light-emitting moduleof claim 1, wherein the at least one sidewall comprises four sidewalls,and two or more of the four sidewalls comprise a sidewall ventilationopening.
 7. The UV light-emitting module of claim 1, further comprisinga plurality of fins extending from the rear wall.
 8. The UVlight-emitting module of claim 1, wherein the at least one UV lightemitter is configured to emit 222 nanometer (nm) wavelength UV light. 9.The UV light-emitting module of claim 1, further comprising a low passfilter adjacent to the light-transmitting aperture of the face plate.10. The UV light-emitting module of claim 1, wherein the at least one UVlight emitter comprises an excimer lamp, the UV light-emitting modulefurther comprising a circuit board comprising a UV light-emitting diode(LED) configured to pre-ionize gas in the excimer lamp.
 11. A system fordisinfecting one or more components, the system comprising: a pluralityof ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting modules, wherein each of the UVlight-emitting modules comprises: an enclosure comprising: a rear wall;a face plate spaced from the rear wall and comprising alight-transmitting aperture; and at least one sidewall extending betweenthe rear wall and the face plate; and at least one UV light emitterwithin the enclosure, wherein a ventilation opening is located in one ormore walls selected from (1) the rear wall and (2) the at least onesidewall; and a housing that encloses the plurality of UV light-emittingmodules, the housing comprising at least one cooling fan that directsair into the housing and at least one housing ventilation exit openingthrough which air escapes.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein each ofthe UV light-emitting modules receives power from a common power source.13. The system of claim 11, wherein each of the UV light-emittingmodules comprises a sidewall ventilation opening in the at least onesidewall and a rear wall ventilation opening in the rear wall, and thehousing ventilation exit opening is pneumatically coupled to the rearwall ventilation opening.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the atleast one cooling fan is pneumatically coupled to a housing ventilationintake opening in the housing.
 15. The system of claim 11, furthercomprising at least one UV light emitter support within the enclosure,wherein the at least one UV light emitter support is fabricated from afluoropolymer.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the fluoropolymer ispolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein theat least one UV light emitter support is a single UV light emittersupport.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one UV lightemitter support comprises two or more UV light emitter supports.
 19. Thesystem of claim 11, further comprising three or more UV light emittersupports within the enclosure, wherein the three or more UV lightemitter supports comprise an aluminum UV light emitter support locatedbetween a first fluoropolymer UV light emitter support and a secondfluoropolymer UV light emitter support.
 20. A method of assembling anultraviolet (UV) light-emitting module for disinfecting one or morecomponents, the method performed using an enclosure that includes a rearwall and a face plate spaced from the rear wall and having alight-transmitting aperture, and four sidewalls extending between therear wall and the face plate, at least one UV light emitter supportfabricated from a fluoropolymer, at least one cooling feature selectedfrom (1) a sidewall ventilation opening in at least one sidewall and (2)a heat sink feature extending from the rear wall, and at least one UVlight emitter comprising an elongated lamp that comprises a first endhaving a first terminal and an opposing second end having a secondterminal, the method comprising: seating the elongated lamp in the atleast one UV light emitter support fabricated from the fluoropolymerwithin the enclosure; securing a first lead wire to the first terminalof the elongated lamp; and securing a second lead wire to the secondterminal of the elongated lamp.